Carib Scope

标签： Bahamas

巴哈马

  • Pair held over fraudulent passport and voter ID scheme

    Pair held over fraudulent passport and voter ID scheme

    A significant identity fraud case involving the illicit acquisition of official Bahamian documents has resulted in the imprisonment of two individuals pending trial. Max Veve Pierre, an 18-year-old Haitian national, and his 59-year-old accomplice, Gersey Pierre, stand accused of orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to obtain government-issued identification under false pretenses.

    According to prosecution details presented in court, the alleged conspiracy began on December 23, 2024, when both defendants reportedly agreed to fraudulently secure a Bahamian passport. The plan allegedly came to fruition on February 3, 2025, when they successfully obtained a passport issued in Max’s name from the official Passport Office.

    The criminal complaint further reveals that Max Pierre allegedly utilized the fraudulent passport to obtain additional official documentation. Prosecutors assert that on January 23, he presented the document at the Parliamentary Registry to secure a Bahamian voter’s card, effectively attempting to establish false citizenship credentials.

    The scheme allegedly reached its critical point on February 24, when Max Pierre presented the counterfeit passport to immigration authorities at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). It was during this interaction that immigration officers detected irregularities in the documentation, leading to the unraveling of the entire operation and the subsequent arrest of both individuals.

    Following a court appearance before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs, both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the multiple charges against them. Max Pierre faces three counts of possessing false documents, two counts of uttering false documents, and fraud by false pretenses. Both defendants additionally face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretenses.

    Despite their professions as construction workers, the court deemed the allegations sufficiently serious to warrant remand. Both individuals were subsequently transferred to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, where they will remain until their trial commences on May 21. Inspector Timothy Bain is leading the prosecution in this case.

  • Commission launches three years after Protection Against Violence Act gazetted

    Commission launches three years after Protection Against Violence Act gazetted

    The Bahamian government has officially inaugurated the Protection Against Violence Commission, marking a pivotal transition from legislative framework to operational reality under the Protection Against Violence Act of 2023. This landmark development, effective February 1, 2026, establishes a comprehensive enforcement mechanism nearly three years after the law’s initial gazetting.

    At a press conference closed to media but documented through an official release, Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting Myles LaRoda characterized violence as a multidimensional threat to both individual security and national stability. “The harm inflicted upon women reverberates through families, weakens communities, and ultimately compromises national progress,” LaRoda asserted, framing the Commission as the institutional force that transforms legislative intent into coordinated action.

    The newly appointed Commission Chair Marisa Mason-Smith announced the body’s immediate shift from strategic planning to implementation, acknowledging foundational contributors including Dr. RubyAnn Nottage, Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, and the legislative drafting team led by Jewel Major from the Office of the Attorney General. “With expert groundwork established and legislation enacted,” Mason-Smith declared, “we now commence purposeful execution with unwavering resolve to eliminate violence.”

    Commission Co-Chair Pastor David Burrows addressed the generational nature of the challenge, emphasizing that meaningful impact requires educating upcoming generations to break cyclical patterns of violence. Desiree Clarke of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities highlighted the heightened vulnerability of disabled individuals, insisting that protection strategies must incorporate inclusive design principles.

    The Commission represents a whole-of-society approach rooted in legal, strategic, cultural, and faith-based dimensions. The Department of Gender and Family Affairs, under Director Sharmie Farrington, will administer the Commission’s operational functions, including coordination and oversight mechanisms. Religious and cultural representatives including Dr. Roslyn Astwood of the Bahamas Christian Council and Deputy Director of Culture Portia Sands emphasized that confronting violence through moral accountability and compassion ultimately strengthens Bahamian social fabric by reinforcing familial respect and communal responsibility.

  • AG calls Tribunal ruling “monumental win”, pushes back on GBPA statement

    AG calls Tribunal ruling “monumental win”, pushes back on GBPA statement

    The Bahamian government has secured a decisive legal victory in its high-stakes arbitration with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), with Attorney General Ryan Pinder announcing the rejection of the port authority’s billion-dollar damages claim while affirming state regulatory powers over Freeport. The arbitration tribunal delivered what officials termed a “historic” partial award that dismissed seven of GBPA’s eight counterclaims, including its central allegation of governmental interference in Freeport’s administration. The ruling establishes that governance of the Port Area is not exclusively vested in the GBPA but operates alongside and subject to the continuing authority of the Bahamian government. Critical regulatory domains including licensing, immigration, and customs remain under government control according to the determination. The award further establishes the GBPA’s liability to reimburse Bahamian taxpayers for administrative expenses incurred in Freeport, though the specific quantum of payments awaits determination through an agreed review mechanism or subsequent tribunal decision. While the tribunal acknowledged governmental delays in processing environmental bye-law amendments since 2006, it questioned the basis for damages on this singular successful counterclaim. The government has published the complete 139-page ruling online to ensure public transparency as proceedings continue to address recovery for earlier periods.

  • Former Grand Lucayan employees collect final severance payouts

    Former Grand Lucayan employees collect final severance payouts

    Former employees of the Grand Lucayan Resort in Grand Bahama commenced receiving severance packages on Friday, revealing significant disparities between expected and actual compensation following the government’s redundancy decision. The termination process affects workers transitioning the property to Concord Wilshire’s $120 million redevelopment plan.

    Compensation structure provided line employees—predominantly casual or contract workers—with two weeks’ base pay, an additional two weeks’ gratuity, and accrued Christmas bonuses. This arrangement diverged sharply from employee expectations of packages calculated based on years of service, where many anticipated two weeks’ pay per year for line staff and four weeks per year for managerial positions.

    Shaneka King, a four-year contract veteran in guest services, expressed widespread disappointment: “We were looking at four weeks pay total, which would have gone to the majority of persons here.” Her testimony highlights the prevalent employment structure where approximately 85% of staff worked recurring three-month contracts requiring unpaid week-long breaks between renewals—a practice that continued throughout the government’s management tenure.

    The payout process itself faced operational challenges, with employees gathering from 9am despite distributions not commencing until 11:30am. Labor officials attended the site to facilitate National Insurance Board registrations and Job Seekers program enrollments for affected workers.

    While some employees expressed gratitude for receiving any compensation given their contractual status, others criticized the delayed proceedings and lack of union representation for temporary staff. Bartender D’vone Knowles noted, “We got slightly less, but I’ve been here for a year,” capturing the mixed sentiments among workers with varying tenure.

    Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments, defended the redundancy exercise as “a necessary step in repositioning the property,” emphasizing that separation packages complied with the Employment Act and applicable agreements. The government is coordinating with labor departments and private sector partners to provide reemployment support across Grand Bahama’s economy.

    Payouts continue through next week, with supervisory and managerial staff scheduled to receive packages on Tuesday following Monday’s remaining line staff distributions.

  • Biometric voter card rollout begins amid push to modernise registration

    Biometric voter card rollout begins amid push to modernise registration

    The Bahamas Parliamentary Registration Department has initiated the phased distribution of new biometric voter identification cards, commencing with the constituencies of Golden Isles, St James, and Carmichael. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson confirmed that approximately 2,500 cards are scheduled for distribution this week, prioritizing areas with the highest concentration of registered voters.

    The rollout strategy focuses initially on constituencies demonstrating the largest voter registrations, with Grand Bahama expected to commence distribution imminently. Commissioner Thompson revealed that electoral staff have been working extended shifts—sometimes exceeding 20 hours daily—to ensure election preparedness. “You’ll see vehicles in the parking lot late at night because we are serious about having a fair and efficient election,” Thompson stated.

    Over 20,000 Bahamians have currently requested the optional biometric cards, with officials anticipating increased demand. The cards utilize existing biometric data—facial images and fingerprints—previously provided to the passport office, while residential information is drawn from legacy systems. Project manager Lucretia Dean-Rolle emphasized that “these unique identifiers prevent data duplication while enhancing security.”

    Despite concerns raised by the Free National Movement Party and Coalition of Independents regarding procedural transparency, Thompson defended the process as thoroughly transparent, noting consultations with all three major parties. Voters must collect cards in person with valid government-issued photo ID, with third-party collection permitted only through written authorization.

    Distribution continues at the Kendall Isaacs gym from 9am to 6pm daily. The government maintains that these reforms address long-standing vulnerabilities in the electoral system, replacing outdated laminated cards that international observers had criticized as susceptible to forgery. The modernization effort specifically focuses on registration security while maintaining manual voting and counting processes.

  • Govt rejects family’s claim to Perpall Tract subdivision

    Govt rejects family’s claim to Perpall Tract subdivision

    The Bahamian government has formally dismissed a private ownership claim concerning the Perpall Tract off West Bay Street, asserting its lawful authority over the contested Crown land acquired in 1957. This response comes following public allegations made by Dexter Cedric Edwards, who appeared on a Facebook live interview hosted by Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain, contending that the property rightfully belongs to his family as descendants of the Morris brothers.

    In an official weekend statement, Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell unequivocally refuted these claims, confirming the government’s clear and uninterrupted title to the land since its acquisition for public purposes. Minister Bell emphasized that the property’s legal status remains unchanged and fully documented in government records.

    The disputed area forms part of a larger tract that has been progressively developed into government subdivisions under various administrations, with numerous Bahamian families currently residing on legally purchased lots. Minister Bell reassured homeowners in these existing subdivisions that their property titles remain valid and secure, unaffected by the recently circulated claims.

    Approximately 30 acres of the Perpall Tract have been allocated for Premier Estates West, a new 169-lot subdivision designed to expand home ownership opportunities for Bahamian citizens. The ministry has raised concerns about individuals purporting to offer portions of this government property for sale without lawful authority.

    Minister Bell issued a strong public advisory urging citizens to exercise due diligence before attempting land purchases, recommending thorough title searches at the Registry of Records conducted by reputable attorneys. The government has committed to protecting public lands from unlawful interference and unauthorized transactions, warning that individuals proceeding without proper verification do so at their own risk.

    Mr. Edwards maintains that his family has occupied the land for over 35 years and insists their property rights should be recognized, presenting documents during the broadcast that he claims establish ownership of approximately 46 acres within the larger Morris brothers’ tract.

  • Dementia patient goes missing from hospital

    Dementia patient goes missing from hospital

    A Bahamian family has leveled serious negligence allegations against Princess Margaret Hospital following the disappearance of their 72-year-old dementia patient relative shortly after admission. Felix Beneby, who was hospitalized on Saturday morning for hernia complications and scheduled for surgery, mysteriously left the medical facility without staff detection and was later discovered at his sister’s residence approximately 3.4 miles away.

    According to family accounts, Mr. Beneby was admitted through emergency services following a four-hour ambulance delay. His son, Solomon Beneby, expressed profound distress over the incident, highlighting that hospital staff allegedly knew about the disappearance during Saturday evening yet failed to notify relatives until Sunday morning.

    The family’s concerns are compounded by the patient’s critical medical condition. “The emotional and psychological trauma currently being experienced by my family cannot be expressed in words,” stated Solomon Beneby. “To walk at night from PMH to Malcolm Road with a hernia pending surgery scheduled for Monday, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of each step on that uneven path.”

    Medical professionals familiar with such cases note that hernia patients typically require careful monitoring as displacement of stabilizing devices could trigger severe internal bleeding. The family now demands explanations regarding security protocols and communication procedures that allowed the vulnerable patient to exit unnoticed and why emergency contacts weren’t immediately notified.

    The Public Hospitals Authority has not responded to media inquiries regarding the incident. This event has reignited existing concerns about patient safety standards at the Nassau-based healthcare facility, marking another episode in ongoing scrutiny of the institution’s care protocols.

  • Bahamians stuck in Dubai as PM warns of economic impact from Iran conflict

    Bahamians stuck in Dubai as PM warns of economic impact from Iran conflict

    A severe escalation of Middle East tensions has left Bahamian citizens stranded in Dubai following coordinated military strikes and retaliatory actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict erupted after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in targeted strikes, triggering widespread missile and drone attacks across the region.

    The immediate consequence has been the closure of most Middle Eastern airspace, creating travel chaos and trapping thousands of international travelers, including Bahamian tourists and residents. Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis confirmed his government is actively monitoring the situation, expressing particular concern for staff at The Bahamas’ embassy in Abu Dhabi due to its proximity to the Israeli diplomatic mission.

    In Dubai, the night sky illuminated with explosions as defense systems intercepted hundreds of incoming projectiles. Air operations were suspended indefinitely as missiles targeted Israeli and US military assets throughout the region. While the United Arab Emirates reported successful interceptions of numerous threats, the overall death toll continues to rise rapidly.

    Prime Davis warned of potential economic repercussions for The Bahamas, stating: ‘The stubborn elephant in our room is the cost of living, and we have very little control of costs. With the unrest in the Middle East, we expect oil prices might rise. We must minimize the impact on our citizens through tax relief on fuel imports or other forms of assistance.’

    Firsthand accounts from Bahamians in Dubai reveal the sudden shift from tourism to tension. One traveler, who requested anonymity, described hearing explosions while celebrating a birthday: ‘We literally heard two bombs go up in the sky. That was definitely not the culture shock I was looking for. We hurried back to the hotel and we’ve been in here ever since.’

    Tanaz Cunningham, a Bahamian business owner residing in Dubai, reported audible explosions every 30-60 minutes but noted that daily life continues with precautions. ‘It’s just a matter of staying inside and making sure no debris falls anywhere around you,’ she explained. Her husband, a Bahamian pilot based in Dubai, remains stranded in Tanzania due to airspace closures.

    The Bahamian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued comprehensive travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid all travel to Israel, Palestine, and Iran. Additional countries including Syria, Iraq, and Yemen are categorized under ‘Avoid Non-Essential Travel,’ while the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain require a high degree of caution. All Bahamian nationals in affected regions are advised to shelter in place and limit non-essential movement.

  • Roberts Roberts healing in healing in hospital

    Roberts Roberts healing in healing in hospital

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Rupert Roberts, the 88-year-old founder and visionary behind the Super Value grocery chain, has provided a positive health update from his hospital room at the renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In an exclusive communication with Tribune Business, the esteemed businessman confirmed his successful transition out of intensive care as he continues treatment for pneumonia, expressing unwavering optimism about both his personal recovery and the future trajectory of his enterprise.

    The medical emergency began when Mr. Roberts was suddenly stricken with a severe case of pneumonia in Nassau, necessitating urgent blood transfusions. This prompted an immediate and heartfelt response from the Bahamian community, as Super Value employees and citizens alike rallied to donate blood after appeals circulated on social media platforms.

    From his hospital bed, Mr. Roberts extended profound gratitude for the overwhelming support, acknowledging both the critical blood donations and the countless prayers offered for his recuperation. Social media channels were inundated with supportive messages from across the nation, including numerous testimonials from current and former staff members.

    Medical procedures conducted by Dr. Duane Sands, former Minister of Health and Mr. Roberts’ personal physician, were crucial in stabilizing the businessman’s condition. Dr. Sands performed a critical intervention by extracting approximately 64 ounces of fluid from Mr. Roberts’ lungs, enabling his safe transport via air ambulance to the Mayo Clinic for specialized treatment.

    Looking forward, Mr. Roberts anticipates returning to The Bahamas within approximately ten days, contingent upon medical confirmation that the pneumonia has been fully eradicated. During his remaining time at the clinic, he is expected to undergo a scheduled replacement of his heart pacemaker—a procedure previously discussed with his medical team.

    Despite his advanced age, which he humorously dismissed by referring to himself as ‘still young,’ Mr. Roberts articulated strong confidence in the continued success of Super Value under the leadership of President Debra Symonette, who has managed daily operations for the past five years. He also highlighted the increasing involvement of his grandchildren, Patrick and Paige Waugh, signaling a thoughtful succession plan for the family business.

    In a significant business development, Mr. Roberts revealed ambitious modernization plans for Super Value’s warehouse facilities, noting that the company is currently ‘operating in the Stone Age.’ The comprehensive upgrade project aims to double weekly shipping container capacity from 250 to 500 units, effectively catapulting logistics operations into the 21st century.

    Mr. Roberts’ legacy extends beyond the supermarket industry. As the former chairman of Commonwealth Bank Limited from 1984 to 1992, he presided over a period of remarkable growth following the bank’s Bahamianization. Under his stewardship, the institution relocated its headquarters, expanded its branch network, and achieved an extraordinary 700 percent growth in total assets, surpassing $125 million while increasing net income from $1.3 million to $4 million during his tenure.

  • First aviation ambulance in Mayaguana under deal between govt and BACSWN

    First aviation ambulance in Mayaguana under deal between govt and BACSWN

    The Bahamas government has initiated a significant upgrade to its emergency medical response capabilities with the deployment of a specialized aviation ambulance to Mayaguana International Airport. This strategic move forms part of a comprehensive national aviation safety and emergency preparedness strategy developed through a collaborative Heads of Agreement between the Government of The Bahamas, Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), and Response Plus Medical (RPM).

    Prime Minister Philip Davis emphasized that this deployment represents the initial phase of an ambitious plan to equip Family Islands airports with advanced emergency response resources. The initiative directly addresses the country’s international obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which mandate specific emergency recovery services for participating nations.

    The Mayaguana deployment marks the first of approximately 50 aviation-spec ambulances destined for strategic locations throughout the Bahamian archipelago. These vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and aviation-grade safety features, will significantly enhance emergency medical coverage across the nation’s 173,000 square miles of airspace.

    A critical component of this initiative involves the establishment of the Caribbean’s first NextGen Meteorological Watch Office under BACSWN’s supervision. This advanced facility will provide real-time flight tracking, coordinate crash response and search-and-rescue operations, and deliver live meteorological updates for aircraft and vessels operating within Bahamian territory.

    The comprehensive program extends beyond equipment deployment to include institutional support through a forthcoming agreement with the Department of Public Health. This collaboration will encompass service regulation, specialized training, and staffing solutions where necessary, ensuring sustainable emergency response capabilities across the island chain.